Peter Joshua Atkins, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Edinburgh and author of 'The Animalising Affliction of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4,' dives into the intriguing nature of Nebuchadnezzar's transformation. He discusses the tension between metamorphosis and the human-animal boundary, exploring ancient Mesopotamian texts. Atkins challenges traditional interpretations of Daniel 4, highlighting the significance of divine wisdom. He also connects themes of mental health and ecological implications in the Hebrew Bible, revealing unexpected insights about humanity's relationship with animals.

Covenant shapes our life with God. In Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Academic, 2024), Harrison Perkins shows how Christ and his work are the heart of that covenant relationship. Since God lives in covenant with his redeemed people, covenant theology provides a framework for Christians to grow in their life with God, to read the Bible, and to love the church. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Katharine J. Dell, a professor at the University of Cambridge, dives into the profound themes of creation and covenant in the Hebrew Bible. She explores the intricate relationships within wisdom literature, highlighting key texts like Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Dell discusses how the covenant with Noah showcases a vision of restoration and harmony within creation. Additionally, she advocates for fresh perspectives in biblical studies, encouraging a deeper understanding of intertextuality in these ancient texts.

Marilynne Robinson, an acclaimed author known for her profound literary and theological insights, dives deep into her latest work, 'Reading Genesis.' She argues for viewing Genesis not merely as a collection of documents but as a rich literary masterpiece that explores humanity's complex relationship with the divine. The discussion touches on Jacob’s struggles, language's role in biblical interpretation, and the contrasting narratives of hope in Hebrew versus Babylonian cultures. Robinson passionately advocates for appreciating Genesis' beauty and depth beyond mere academic analysis.

Jeannine Hanger, an author and educator in New Testament studies, shares her insights on the sensory elements within the I Am sayings in the Gospel of John. She emphasizes how our senses shape understanding, linking the metaphor of Jesus as 'bread of life' to cultural traditions. The discussion delves into sensory anthropology, illustrating how taste and smell can evoke memory and nostalgia in faith. Hanger also explores the imagery of Jesus as the good shepherd, highlighting how sensory experiences deepen our connection to spiritual narratives.

Ancient Christians and their non-Christian contemporaries lived in a world of 'magic.' Sometimes, they used curses as ritual objects to seek justice from gods and other beings; sometimes, they argued against them. Curses, and the writings of those who polemicized against curses, reveal the complexity of ancient Mediterranean religions, in which materiality, poetics, song, incantation, and glossolalia were used as technologies of power.Laura Nasrallah's book Ancient Christians and the Power of Curses: Magic, Aesthetics, and Justice (Cambridge UP, 2023) reframes the field of religion, the study of the Roman imperial period, and the investigation of the New Testament and ancient Christianity. Her approach eschews disciplinary aesthetics that privilege the literature and archaeological remains of elites, and that defines curses as magical materials, separable from religious ritual. Moreover, Nasrallah's imaginative use of art and 'research creations' of contemporary Black painters, sculptors, and poets offer insights for understanding how ancient ritual materials embedded into art work intervene into the present moment and critique injustice.New Books in Late Antiquity is presented Ancient Jew ReviewLaura Salah Nasrallah is Buckingham Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation.Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes in Jay Garfinkel's groundbreaking work, Kohelet's Cocktail: Beyond the Pursuit of Happiness (Illuminated Press, 2024) This exquisite "illuminated" digital masterpiece marries the ancient with the avant-garde, offering a fresh, poetic voice to the biblical text that has resonated with humanity for millennia. The book contains:• 83 Stunning Illustrations: Each piece is a visual symphony that invites you on a visual journey through Kohelet's philosophical and existential musings.• A Modern Poetic Voice: Garfinkel reimagines the ancient text with a contemporary poetic flair, making the profound teachings of Ecclesiastes accessible and relatable to a 21st-century audience.• A Fusion of Art and Wisdom: "Kohelet's Cocktail" is not just a book but a multimedia experience that blends vivid imagery with evocative poetry. It illuminates the timeless questions of life, purpose, and human existence.The title, Kohelet's Cocktail, is a metaphor, a blended mixture of life's contradictions, that echoes throughout the book. The author acknowledges life's seeming meaninglessness yet finds value in relationships and work; he places a premium on wisdom, yet it is harshly critical of its limits; he accepts the idea of the Divine but questions whether divine justice even exists.Aimed at a diverse audience of readers – from spiritual wanderers to religious leaders, from mindfulness mavens to those on a personal growth path – this book speaks a universal language. It guides anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and peace in an age of relentless change.An audiobook of Kohelet’s Cocktail can be found on youtube here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Powerful religious elements for living in the aftermath of trauma are embedded within North African Christian hagiographies. The texts of (1) The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity, (2) The Account of Montanus, Lucius, and their Companions, and (3) The Life of Cyprian of Carthage are stories that offered post traumatic pathways to recovery for its historical readership. These recovery-oriented beliefs and behaviors promoted positive religious coping strategies that revolved around a sense of safety, re-establishing community relationships, an integrated sense of self, and a hopeful story beyond trauma. This book vividly demonstrates that hagiographies played a vital therapeutic role in helping early Christian trauma survivors recover and flourish in the aftermath of disastrous persecutions.Scott Harrower (PhD, Systematic Theology) is Associate Professor of Theology, Church History, and Philosophy of Religion at Ridley College (Melbourne, Australia). He is also an ordained Anglican minister and has wide-ranging ministry experience in several countries. Dr. Harrower has published and regularly presents papers on topics such as early Christianity in Roman contexts, and philosophical responses to the problem of evil. In addition to Trauma and Recovery in North African Christianity (Medieval Institute Publications, 2024), his books include Trinitarian Self and Salvation and God of All Comfort: A Trinitarian Response to the Horrors of This World.Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

The book of Job is challenging. Its Hebrew is often obscure, its length and subject matter are intimidating, and its meaning has been debated throughout the history of biblical interpretation. Thankfully, in Job: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Lexham Academic, 2024), Duane A. Garrett presents a fresh argument for the book's meaning. Job demonstrates the inability of Wisdom, as a theological tradition, to solve the problem of evil.Tune in as we speak with Duane Garrett about the book of Job!Duane Garrett is the John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and Professor of biblical theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus (Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus (IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption (IVP Academic, 2020), and a recent 2 volume commentary on Numbers. He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Diana V. Edelman and Philippe Guillaume, co-editors of a new introduction to biblical scholarship, delve into the significance of their book, designed for both students and general readers. They discuss the challenges of authorship and dating the Old Testament, exploring its historical context and relevance to modern issues. The narrative of Ruth is examined through an economic lens, providing insights into survival and justice. Their collaborative effort aims to make complex concepts accessible, revolutionizing how Old Testament education is approached.